Running into a winged lion shifter was never in Mitch's plans. But Bluebird Valley Preserve has more surprises in store, including wildlife and shifters, most of whom Mitch never knew existed. As a caracal shifter, Mitch is used to oddities. The chaos, he can handle. Calix, the saber-toothed cat, is what knocks him off balance.<br><br>Calix is a vet and a physician. Great in theory ... except he can only diagnose, not heal. Still grieving, he vows to protect his heart from another crushing blow. Then, he saves a caracal shifter from the flood waters. When he sees Mitch, he struggles with leaving the past behind and making a future for himself which includes Mitch.<br><br>Raging waters and mudslides threaten, leaving the whole preserve at risk. Mitch puts his life on the line to rescue Calix. But, it's Calix's heart Mitch finds the most challenging and worthwhile to win.

Mitch

Calix waved his arms in the air. “Damn it, Drum. You can’t. You can’t take that risk. I won’t let you.”


Mitch froze. The unfamiliar name stopped him cold. “Who’s Drum?”


Calix sucked in air and his mouth fell open. He was stunned. So stunned, he could only stare at Mitch in shock. The name wasn’t supposed to cross his lips—not to another person. Yet, in the moment of supreme frustration, it had.


Emotion welled up, almost choking him. Adrenaline followed causing a great urge to flee. To run. To avoid the subject and pray it never would be broached again. With great struggle, he composed himself and set his expression back to a blankness which contradicted the rolling flood of feelings nearly overwhelming him.


Mitch pinned Calix with his gaze. “Who’s Drum?” Standing there, Mitch appeared ready to wait forever for an answer, but would stubbornly pursue the topic until he received a satisfying answer.


Chapter 63